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Preferred Networks
Vertically integrated AI hardware and software solutions
About Preferred Networks
Preferred Networks (PFN) is Japan's premier AI company, renowned for its vertically integrated approach to deep learning and high-performance computing. Founded in 2014 by world-class computer scientists Toru Nishikawa and Daisuke Okanohara, the firm develops a full-stack ecosystem ranging from proprietary AI processors (MN-Core) to large-scale foundation models (PLaMo). PFN’s core mission is to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, optimizing complex industrial processes through advanced simulation and autonomous systems.
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The company distinguishes itself through its custom supercomputing infrastructure, which consistently ranks among the world’s most energy-efficient. This hardware-software synergy enables breakthrough solutions such as Matlantis™ for atomistic material discovery and PlantPilot™ for industrial automation. By partnering with global leaders like Toyota and FANUC, PFN serves as a strategic cornerstone for NIF Security of Critical Technologies and NIF Awareness and Decision Making, ensuring Japan’s leadership in the global AI race through sustainable, high-precision, and hardware-optimized intelligence. Keywords: deep learning, artificial intelligence, AI processors, supercomputing, edge computing, generative AI, machine learning, robotics, factory automation, autonomous driving, healthcare AI, materials discovery, Chainer, MN-Core, PLaMo, Matlantis, vertical integration, AI solutions, atomistic simulation, large language models
Research & analysis
Latest news
Press, funding announcements and product moves mentioning Preferred Networks.
Investors
From Dealroom's funding and investor records, grouped by the round each investor first entered.
Seed1 investor entered at this stage
NTT
Series A2 investors entered at this stage
FANUC
Toyota Motor Corporation
Series B and later18 investors entered at this stage
Preferred Infrastructure
Mitsui Global Investment
Hitachi
Mizuho Capital
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Resona Bank
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Shoko Chukin Bank
SBI Group
Sekisui House
Mitsubishi
Development Bank of Japan
Wacom Technology Corp.
Mizuho
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
TBS Innovation Partners
Kodansha
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking
Source: Dealroom Talent Intelligence.
Global footprint
team presence
across markets
Patents
171 active patent families included in this estimate.
A patent family groups patent filings for the same invention. Source: Dealroom · PatSnap.
Market sentiment
An AI-synthesised read of the highest-engagement posts about Preferred Networks on X, ranked by likes and reposts, corporate channels excluded.
Reading the room on X — pulling top posts and synthesizing themes…
Source: X recent search ranked by engagement (likes + retweets) · Synthesis by Claude · Cached for 1 hour
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